Here we see ships leaving and entering the lock. Their high bows gave them the name lakers.

This was because on the great lakes and the lower St. Lawrence near the gulf, bad weather can create huge waves that can swamp vessels not properly designed for these conditions.

The huge high bow could take on such waves and break them up without damaging the ship. In addition the front steerage cabin where the ship is steered from sits high above the deck enabling the crew to see above the highest waves ... most of the time.

The ships had to be small enough to pass through the locks and navigate the canal ... and yet large enough to travel to the harshest places on the river and great lakes.





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